Residential Renovation Support Program: Steps to Benefit from the Grant for Housing Rehabilitation
Many owners of old homes in Saudi Arabia face the problem of housing deterioration over time and need large sums of money to restore and rehabilitate them. This is where the Residential Renovation Support Program comes in, one of the government support programs offered by the Ministry of Municipalities and Rural Affairs (previously) in cooperation with the Real Estate Development Fund and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
The program aims to help eligible families renovate their old or damaged homes and rehabilitate them to live with dignity and safety. Whether you need to change plumbing, repair roofs, or rehabilitate bathrooms and kitchens, this support covers you.
Conditions for Applying for Renovation Support
- The applicant must be a Saudi citizen.
- They must own the home or have the right to use it.
- The age of the home must be at least 15 years (in some cases).
- The home must actually need renovation (proven by a technical report).
- The applicant must not have previously benefited from renovation support for the same property.
- The required renovation areas must be available according to the program’s regulations.
Amount of Support
The value of the support varies depending on the condition of the home, its area, and the number of family members. In general, the support ranges between 30,000 SAR and 100,000 SAR, and may increase in special cases. The support is paid directly to the beneficiary or to the approved contractor after the renovation plan is approved.
Application Steps
- Go to the Unified Government Support Platform or the “Sakani” platform.
- Create a new account or log in with a unified national access account (Absher).
- Select the “Renovation Support” service from the housing services list.
- Fill in the required data: ID number, home address, area, and year of construction.
- Upload the required documents: property deed, technical report on the condition of the home, and a copy of the ID.
- Wait for the application to be reviewed by the competent authority (usually within 30 days).
- If approved, the beneficiary will be notified of the payment steps and contracting with approved contractors.
Required Application Documents
- Property deed or certified proof of right to use.
- A copy of the national ID (valid).
- A technical report certified by an engineering office detailing the condition of the home and renovation requirements.
- A price quote from an approved contractor (in some cases).
- Bank account number (IBAN) in the applicant’s name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if the home is in my father’s name?
A: Yes, you can apply if you are a guardian of the home or a beneficiary, provided you submit proof of the relationship.
Q: Does the support include renovating homes damaged by disasters?
A: Yes, there is priority for emergency cases such as homes damaged by floods or fires, and their applications are processed faster.
Q: How long does it take to process the application?
A: Usually between 15 and 45 days from the date of submitting a complete application.
Q: Can I appeal a rejection?
A: Yes, you can submit an objection to the rejection decision through the same platform within 30 days of notification.
Q: Is the support in cash or in-kind?
A: The support is paid to the beneficiary or transferred directly to the approved contractor after the renovation plan is approved.
Summary
The Residential Renovation Support Program is an excellent opportunity for Saudi families to renew their old homes without bearing large financial burdens. All you need to do is ensure you meet the conditions, prepare the documents, and submit your application through the official platform. If you need help at any step, the technical support team is available around the clock.
